| OPPOSITION | Shefford & Sandy 3rd XI |
| VENUE | Away |
| DATE | 23-09-2006 |
| RESULT | Won 3-1 |
On Saturday, Potters Bar hockey club travelled to newly-promoted Shefford & Sandy to begin their East Men's League Division 6 South West campaign. The match started fairly evenly, but with Sandy defending far up the pitch, Bar's quick midfield was always going to cause problems.
Early on, a through ball left Owen Hughes one on one with the Sandy keeper. As he rounded the keeper, Owen was brought down resulting in the award of a penalty flick. However, Andy Latham's uncharacteristically weak flick was easily saved.
Shortly afterwards, Bar got another chance. After a good run from Paul Brady, his pass found Andy Latham who made amends for his earlier miss with a clinical finish from the edge of the circle. Bar's confidence grew and another run and pass from Paul Brady led to Andy Latham unselfishly squaring the ball to Owen Hughes who had an easy finish to put Bar 2 up.
Sandy fought back and a failed clearance from Bar led to a shot from a Sandy player which went between the keeper's legs making it 2-1 to Bar. Shortly before half-time, youngster Dave Fennell did well to get a stick on a cross from the left, only to see his effort go inches wide of the right-hand post.
In the 2nd half, Sandy started strongly and holes started to show in Bar's defence. A number of times a Sandy player was left with a free shot on goal. However, a combination of good saves from Bar keeper David Smith and some strong tackling and clearances off the line from Ed Newbery in his first game for the club, kept Bar in the lead.
Then Paul Brady struck the killer blow. Some good interplay down the right wing between another new player, Andrew Stokes, and Dave Fennell left Paul to finish from an acute angle, slotting the ball underneath the advancing keeper. Bar held on for a good victory to start their season.
Next week, Potters Bar will be at home against Southgate Adelaide 2nds with the match starting 2.30pm at Dame Alice Owen's school.
Team:
David Smith, Paul Bullen, Ed Newberry, Richard Atkins, Shag, Paul Brady (capt), David Fennell,
Andrew Stokes, David Brandon, Spencer Randon, Owen Hughes, Andy Latham
Umpire: Cliff Hawkins
Goal scorers:
 |
 |
 |
| Andy Latham | Owen Hughes | Paul Brady |